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Prevent Fabric Shrinkage Today or Pay the Price Tomorrow!

Updated: Sep 9

Summary


Fabric shrinkage is a major concern for fashion retailers, leading to returns, complaints, and inventory losses. This blog breaks down everything you need to know in simple terms -  the causes of shrinkage, its types, how to test it, acceptable levels, and smart ways to prevent it in clothing manufacturing. We also introduce NoName, a trusted clothing manufacturer in India that uses shrinkage-free fabrics and advanced treatments to help retailers sell better-quality garments that keep their size and shape, even after multiple washes.


Introduction


Have you ever stocked a beautiful outfit, and you find customers returning it because it shrank after washing?


Prevent Fabric Shrinkage Today or Pay the Price Tomorrow!

You’re not alone. Fabric shrinkage is one of the biggest headaches fashion retailers face. That popular cotton shirt or those cozy joggers can suddenly lose size and shape after the first wash, leading to unhappy customers and costly returns.


But here’s the good news: shrinkage can be controlled. By understanding what causes it and how to manage it, you can offer better products, reduce complaints, and protect your brand reputation.


In this guide, we’ll explain fabric shrinkage in simple terms, what it is, why it happens, how to check it, what levels are acceptable, and most importantly, how to avoid it when sourcing clothes from manufacturers. Whether you’re a small boutique or a large retail chain, this knowledge will help you sell shrink-free garments your customers will love.



What Is Fabric Shrinkage?


Fabric shrinkage happens when clothes get smaller after washing, drying, or exposure to water. This occurs because fabric fibers are stretched during production. When they meet heat or water, they relax and pull back to their natural size, causing the garment to shrink.


Shrinkage often happens:


  • After the first wash

  • Due to the high heat during drying

  • Mostly in natural fibers like cotton or wool


For retailers, shrinkage means more returns, unhappy buyers, and wasted stock.



Types of Fabric Shrinkage


Here are the three main types:


1. Relaxation Shrinkage


  • Happens after the first wash

  • Caused when tension in yarns or fibers is released

  • Very common in cotton fabrics and other cellulosic fibers


💡 Example: Cotton kurta, wash it after wearing once, and suddenly it’s tighter. That’s relaxation shrinkage.



2. Progressive Shrinkage


  • Occurs slowly, after multiple washes

  • Common in wool and rayon

  • Caused by fiber swelling and tangling during washing


💡 Tip: Always follow washing instructions carefully for wool clothes — progressive shrinkage is sneaky but serious.



3. Felting Shrinkage


  • Happens mostly in animal fibers like wool

  • Caused when fiber scales interlock due to heat and agitation


💡 Imagine: Cozy wool sweater turns child-size after hot washing. That’s felting in action.




How to Test Fabric Shrinkage


Clothing manufacturers must test fabric shrinkage before starting production. Here’s a standard and simple way based on AATCC 135 / ISO 6330:


Shrinkage Test Method:


  1. Mark a 50 cm x 50 cm square on the fabric.

  2. Wash and dry using standard machine conditions.

  3. Measure the new square size.

  4. Use this formula:


Shrinkage% = (Original - Final​)×100


This helps brands predict how much the fabric will shrink and take steps accordingly.


This helps predict how much shrinkage to expect.



Acceptable Shrinkage Levels for Different Fabrics


Here’s a quick guide to what shrinkage is generally acceptable across various fabric types:

Fabric Type

Acceptable Shrinkage

Cotton

2–4%

Wool

Up to 5%

Polyester

Less than 1%

Cotton-Polyester Blends

1–3%

Rayon/Viscose

3–5%

Linen

4–8%

Silk

2–4%

Nylon

Less than 2%

Spandex/Elastane

Less than 1%

Denim

3–5% (can vary based on finish)

Modal

3–4%

Tencel/Lyocell

3–5%


Note: These values can vary depending on fabric construction, finishing processes, and washing conditions.


If shrinkage exceeds these percentages, it can negatively affect fit, sizing accuracy, and ultimately customer satisfaction. Always ensure fabric is tested and treated before production.



How to Prevent Fabric Shrinkage in Clothing Manufacturing


Now, the most important part — how to stop shrinkage before it becomes a problem. Here are some tried and tested methods:


1. Pre-shrinking Treatment

  • This means treating the fabric before cutting and stitching. Pre-washing or steam shrinking relaxes the fibers so they won’t shrink later.


2. Proper Finishing

  • Using the right chemical or mechanical finishes, like Sanforizing or heat setting, reduces shrinkage. This is especially useful for cotton and rayon.


3. Blending Fibers

  • Mixing natural and synthetic fibers (e.g., cotton + polyester) helps reduce shrinkage while maintaining comfort.


4. Follow Care Labels

  • Manufacturers should add clear washing instructions. Customers should be told to wash in cold water and avoid high heat drying.


5. Gentle Washing and Drying

  • Recommend gentle cycles, low-heat drying, or air-drying to maintain the garment's shape.


What Fashion Retailers Can Do About Fabric Shrinkage


  • Source from trusted manufacturers who offer shrinkage-tested and treated fabrics.

  • Request shrinkage test reports (e.g., AATCC 135 / ISO 6330) before approving bulk orders.

  • Choose pre-shrunk or shrink-resistant fabrics, especially for cotton, wool, or rayon-based collections.

  • Opt for blended fabrics (like cotton-polyester) to reduce the risk of shrinkage.

  • Ensure care instructions are clear and included on every garment via labels or tags.

  • Educate customers through digital content (Instagram posts, website FAQs) on how to wash and care for garments.

  • Partner with manufacturers (like NoName) who understand fabric behavior and offer shrink-proof garment solutions.

  • Conduct in-house wash tests on samples before large purchases to double-check performance.


Why Fabric Shrinkage Should Matter to You as a Retailer


Ignoring shrinkage risks your business:


  • Increased product returns

  • Negative reviews about sizing

  • Waste of inventory and money

  • Damage to your brand’s reputation


By choosing the right manufacturers and understanding shrinkage, you protect your business and keep customers happy.



NoName: Your Trusted Shrinkage-Free Clothing Manufacturer in India


Get Garments without Fabric Shrinkage Today by NoName

If you’re sourcing garments, NoName is the best clothing manufacturer in India for fashion retailers who want consistent quality and shrink-resistant products.


NoName uses shrinkage-free fabrics and advanced treatments during production to ensure clothes keep their size after many washes. From cotton tees to wool coats and blended fabrics, they test and treat every fabric carefully.


NoName is also a sustainable clothing manufacturer in India, offering eco-friendly production and flexible small order quantities (Flexi MOQ). This means you can stock high-quality, shrink-free garments without overstocking, perfect for retailers of any size.




Final Thoughts: Say No to Shrinkage, Say Yes to NoName


Fabric shrinkage might seem like a small issue, but it affects your sales, brand trust, and customer loyalty. From casual cotton wear to winter woolens, shrinkage impacts fit and durability.

NoName knows these challenges well and offers tested solutions to deliver shrink-free, perfect-fit garments your customers will love.


Ready to offer shrinkage-free clothes that stand out? Partner with NoName — the best small order and sustainable clothing manufacturer in India.


Let’s help you stock better, shrink-proof apparel that your customers will keep coming back for.


📩 Contact NoName today to get started!


WhatsApp: +91-9717 508 508

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